Re: Lets really start a kicking forum for Slickcraft.
Hi Guys:
I am the owner of a 1977 Slickcraft/Grew ss215 made in Penetanguishine, Canada. I think I must be one of the luckiest guys as I am completely delighted with my boat. This will be the third time I've rebuilt/refurbished an old boat and this is the best. It handles like a charm, very stable with no pounding except in the biggest chop. I take it from Vancouver to any of the Gulf islands and also on the interior lakes and it behaves like a champ. It has my favourite Mercruiser 165 inline 6 engine and after a few early problems it runs like a clock with ample power and reasonable gas consumption.
The story of how I came to own it might be of interest: I purchased the boat from a the son of a farmer friend of mine in the Fraser Valley of BC, Canada. He was a very successful dairy farmer receiving a big milk cheque for many years when he decided to try boating. He purchased the boat from an estate auction and paid way too much for the well maintained ss215. After taking the thing to the mechanic and having all required upgrades he used the boat twice, decided he didn't like boating after all, had it winterized and put the boat in the barn on it's dual axle galvanised trailer where it sat for the next 10 years. His son took over the farm and wanted the space, which is where I come in. I paid very little for the thing as it looked a complete mess being full of dead cats, chickens and who knows what else. I pumped up the tires, dragged it home and started rehabilitation. I bought the boat in 2004 and over the next few years have replaced, repaired, refurbished almost every screw, nut and bolt and it's almost as perfect as I can get it.
I've done loads of research on Slickcrafts and come to the conclusion that they may well be the most underrated boat available. They were made by the legendary Slickers family of Tiara and Pursuit boats fame. The models from the 1970's had a simply excellent hull design which is still available today only on boats which cost a great deal more. Equivalent styles are Limestone, Skipjack and Hunt all of which are very expensive. The 1970's boats were made when the manufacturers didn't know how little material they could actually get away with so generally speaking they are built like tanks. No core in the hull, thus no leaks or blistering! The hull design is so good that with the attached "Doel Fin" on the outdrive, I can plane consistently at 9.8 mph and 2500 rpm with one passenger and a 15" 17 pitch 3 blade aluminum prop! I know it sounds like total BS but it is actually true. Top speed at WOT is 35 mph, but I can go all day at 25-28 mph at 3500 rpm. I think the above is a testament to the MCM 165, the hull design and the "Doel Fin", I'm just the operator!
When I figure out how to attach images I'll send some. Meanwhile, if anyone could give me some pointers, that would help!